How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You
Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize.
Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity.
According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average homeowner with a mortgage has $319,000 in home equity.
The rise in home equity over the years can be credited to two key factors:
1. Significant Home Price Growth
Home prices have climbed dramatically in recent years. In fact, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), over the past five years, home prices nationwide have risen by 57.4% (see map below):
This appreciation means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it.
2. Longer Tenure in Homes
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows people are staying in their homes for a decade (see graph below):
This increased tenure means homeowners benefit even more from home values growing over time. That’s because the longer someone has lived in their house, the more that home’s value has grown, which directly increases equity.
And if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for 10 years or more, know this – according to NAR:
“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”
What does that mean for you? It means your house might be your biggest financial asset — and it could open up some exciting opportunities for your future. Let’s break it down.
Your equity could help you cover the down payment for your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house all cash.
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, adding a home office, or tackling other projects? Your equity can provide the funds to make those improvements happen, increasing your home’s value and making it more enjoyable to live in too.
If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, your equity could be the kickstart you need. Whether it’s for startup costs, equipment, or marketing, leveraging your home’s value can help bring your entrepreneurial goals to life.
Whether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your home equity is a powerful resource. If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve built or how you can use it to meet your goals, let’s connect and explore the possibilities.
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The Home Run Team, Ltd. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. The Home Run Team, Ltd. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
There's a myth about down payments that hold a lot of buyers back; here's what to know to not get fooled.
Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s.
Right now, it's a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.
Just because the economies down doesn't mean home prices will follow; in fact, it may be the opposite.
If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.
Here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.
If you put your home search on hold because you couldn't find anything you liked in your budget, it's time to try again.
Savvy sellers are jumping off the fence and back into the market. And here’s why.
Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you.
We're here to help people live wealthier lives and enjoy more freedom by educating and guiding them through their lifelong real estate journey. Whether you're buying a home, looking to sell or relocate, or are an investor, we can help you. No agents will work harder for you, because to us, going to bat for you, isn't work. That's just what you do when you're a team.